New Stem Cell Research Lab Grown Organoids Can Save Lives

Stem cell research lab grown organoids may be the latest breakthrough in patient treatment! From growing mini brains to reviving comatose patients, the potential of brain organoids sounds promising not only to us — even scientists and researchers are still held in awe of the stem cell organoid’s potentials. Find out more about stem cell research lab-grown organoids and its medical benefits as you read on!

Who Are the Pioneer Researchers of Organoids?

Even at the dawn of the 20th century, attempts at growing separated cells to form new tissues were already being made. In 1907, Henry Van Peters Wilson demonstrated this possibility with silicate sponges. Between the 1950s and 60s, Malcolm Steinberg developed the differential adhesion hypothesis.

In recent decades, more advanced studies came up, including 3-D printing of organ structures. The early years of the 21st century saw even more exciting discoveries in stem cell research, particularly lab-grown organoids.

Yoshiki Sasai and his team proved how stem cells can be induced to self-organize and form balls with separate layers. In 2009, Hans Clevers and his team located adult stem cells in the lining of the intestines, which they later coaxed into developing tissues.

What Is the Science Behind Organoids?

A single cell holds the future for medical treatment and therapy. From a single stem cell, an organoid is created, which is a small version of an organ. They make important tools for use in medical research. Organoids are made either from embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells.

It’s simple science, but the process is complicated. A stem cell from the brain will make a brain organoid. A stem cell from the gut will make an organoid intestine.

From these organoids, researchers can study diseases without animals or human subjects. Organoids make it entirely possible for tests to be done on the sample. They can learn more about diseases and pioneer new treatments by studying the organoids.

When Will Stem Cell Organoids Made Available for Treatment?

Research in organoids is still in its infancy, especially the medical application of stem cell-derived organoids. It is currently limited to research and development. In 3-D organ development and transplant, ethical questions and the steep cost hinder its application to the treatment of patients. However, research is ongoing and it is inspiring to see this possibility become a reality in the near future.

Where Are the Stem Cells to Grow Organoids Located?

The adult stem cells were first located in the intestines by Dr. Hans Clevers and his team at the Netherlands Institute. From these adult stem cells, they were able to coax the cells to grow tissues to form organoids. Since then, stem cells from liver, breasts, and brain cells were also derived to make organoids.

Scientists develop the proper conditions for the cells to thrive and form tissues to mimic the growth of an organ. For example, the adult stem cells found in the gut lining simply multiply to form a ball with a hollow. It follows the same pattern of the intestinal structure.

Why Is Stem Cell Research on Organoids Important?

Imagine never having to look for a compatible donor for an organ transplant with frustrating results. Imagine never having to undergo several painful tests to get to the bottom of your disease. You can grow or correct your own organs from the cells derived from your own body. You don’t need to undergo tests yourself since it can be done to your stem cell samples. Imagine personalized medicine — made possible with organoids.

Organoids have the potential to treat serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Even erring brain functions can be corrected. Minor diseases will be easier to address and correct before they worsen. Moreover, animal testing will be a thing of the past with organoids. It seems unfathomable now, but with organoids, we are looking at the future of medical treatment.

How Is the Future of Treatment Looking with Organoids?

Researchers are not even halfway there in the matter of medical application or treatment. Scientists try to mimic the natural process of tissue and organ development, but nature is very complicated. To grow tissues and form an organ with those tissues is one thing, but for them to function disassociated from the body is another. Not to mention the ethical questions thrown by dissenters.

Still, it is inspiring to think that all it takes is a single cell to regenerate failing organs and tissues. Stem cell research or organoids is a continuous study and we are slowly seeing the light at the end of a dark tunnel. The development of stem cell research on lab-grown organoids is very young but promising.

Know the story of stem cell research lab grown organoids’ exciting discovery. Hear it from Dr. Hans Clevers himself in this video from EPO Films:

Stem cell research lab grown organoids may hold the secret to the fountain of youth. It only takes one cell to turn back the hands of time. In a therapeutic sense, that is. For medical stem cell research, lab-grown organoids are the future. What was once only the stuff of sci-fi movies could soon be a possibility. We are looking at a potential lifesaver we have never thought possible until now!

What are your thoughts about stem cell research lab grown organoids? We would love to hear your opinions about them in the comments section below!

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